In Hungary, the destruction of democratic institutions has been happening for 16 years.
Justice & Anti-CorruptionHungary
- Omissions
- The democratic decline is specifically linked to Orbán's return to power in April 2010 after winning a two-thirds parliamentary majority
- The term 'destruction of democratic institutions' is a subjective characterization; assessments from Freedom House, V-Dem, and EU institutions describe this as 'democratic backsliding', 'illiberal democracy', or 'erosion of rule of law' rather than complete destruction
- The 16-year figure is an approximation - from April 2010 to February 2026 is approximately 15 years and 10 months
- Sources
- AcademicJournal of DemocracyViktor Orbán's Fidesz party has used its two-thirds majority in parliament to change the constitution, erase checks and balances, and make the electoral system more favorable to the ruling party since 2010.
- AcademicCentral European University - Open ResearchDe-democratization in Hungary: diffusely defective democracy - analysis of democratic decline since 2010 through erosion of electoral integrity, civil liberties, and institutional checks.
- SecondaryCentre for European Policy Studies (CEPS)The EU vs Hungary: A 16-year battle with no winners. Hungary's government has been at odds with the EU ever since Viktor Orbán and his party, Fidesz, reclaimed power in 2010.